What Is Real Right Now

Project Life | Week Thirty-Four

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW Simon began the 4th grade last week. The start of school has traditionally been a challenge for him as he navigates a new classroom, new teachers, new structures and a return to old routines here at home but so far he's been doing great. Definitely a bit sleepy this morning as we all adjust to waking up earlier.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Simon is doing just awesome: riding his bike, reaching out to other kids, being more comfortable in new situations, reading books with joy and excitement. It's so amazing how much he loves to read if it's something he's really interested in - which really is not all that amazing when I remember that my favorite things to read are things I'm really into and excited about. We just need to find more of things for him. A couple Tuesdays ago he read a Shrek book to me for 2 hours while I was working.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that fall is on it's way. I could feel it last night coming in through the half-open windows. I saw it yesterday in a few leaves that are beginning to change colors and drop to the street. I saw it again early this morning when waking to complete darkness.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Chris and I are having a challenging time. There are many things we are great at together and yet many areas in which we struggle to connect. I want you to know that life is real here - just as it is in your home and your life - and there's good and bad and easy days and hard ones and this happens to be a time in my life that is really hard. I'd totally take your prayers, your positive energy, your wishes of strength and peace, and your compassion. Things are changing here and I'm hoping to face this next chapter of my story with grace and an open heart.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that Anna is two. She's more two than I think Simon ever was - she's got opinions and the language skills to back them up. She's also much more of a boundary tester than Simon. She loves to jump on the couch and asks "Why Mom?" as a response to just about everything. She started a daily Montessori preschool last week and seems to be adjusting just fine. Chris and I dropped her off this morning and she was so happy to show him her school and have him meet her teacher and see her classroom. She's really pretty darn amazing and I'm so happy she's a part of my life.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that I finished both The Help and Little Bee last month. Loved them both. I asked for suggestions via Facebook and Twitter last week and started Cutting For Stone last night. Hoping to go see The Help this weekend.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW is that this post from my friend Jen Lemen is super inspiring: How To Be Dangerous.

WHAT'S REAL RIGHT NOW are these words: This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. Author Unknown.

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376 thoughts

  1. Sarah R says…
    09/13/2011

    You truly are a great person, Ali - so real and honest. Sending positive thoughts your way.

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  2. Denise says…
    09/13/2011

    It's strange how I like to read uplifting posts when it seems that my own are a tad on the dark side at times. Thanks for the bit of happiness from your life.

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  3. jennifer says…
    09/13/2011

    "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us".....(not that what you're facing is tiny) but what lies in you is love, compassion, awareness and grace. I'm constantly amazed by your ability to be open, honest and genuine. Thinking of you....

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  4. Nita says…
    09/13/2011

    I love that you are always real, Ali. Know that I will be praying for you.

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  5. Jen says…
    09/13/2011

    I'm just posting to send positive vibes your way. Going through it here, too, but haven't felt able to blog about it... Here is a great series written by my wonderful life coach Maia Berens that you might find helpful. I'm sharing it with my partner of 13 years right now too! http://www.hotmommagossip.com/2011/09/08/love-letters-for-him-her-secrets-to-a-happy-husband-wife-relationship/ Thank you for your honesty and take care xx

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  6. Judy Webb says…
    09/13/2011

    Those of us with special needs children, understand the strain on the entire family. We send encouragement and courage your way.

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  7. Shannan says…
    09/13/2011

    Thanks for sharing with us. Sometimes blogs, and scrapbooking for that matter, can make it seem like life is just rosy all the time. I really appreciated your Yesterday and Today class and the encouragement to tell the stories of struggle in our lives as well as the good stuff. It had never really occurred to me before. It is all part of life and leaving out the bad stuff is just not real. Best wishes to you!

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  8. Jodeen says…
    09/13/2011

    Love and prayers and positive thoughts coming your way. Marriage and parenting are both, while infinitely rewarding, are never without struggle or hard times. Cross one bridge at time and keep in your heart just how strong you are.

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  9. Bet says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending all wonderful wishes your way Ali, and thankyou for sharing, I think that's hard in itself. x

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  10. Veronica says…
    09/13/2011

    Prayers

    Peace

    Patience

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  11. Lori says…
    09/13/2011

    ((HUGS)) & Prayers!!! Sometimes I wish balance, "enough", etc. were more easy to initiate and comprehend. Remember you only have to live today and start tomorrow fresh--what a beautiful gift this is. Wishing you peace of heart, mind, body and soul. Marriage has some big rollercoaster rides we never anticipate. Sometimes the drops can be mind boggling, terrifying and lonely. Have you taken time just for the two of you? (I know this is so hard with schedules, kiddos and commitments but it is worth it.) While this can seem quite evident, couples often sacrifice their "us" time together, plus the love and commitment to what were common goals for everything else. Our world moves so quickly and competion seems to rule the lives of so many but when is it all "enough"? You have both "grown" so much in your careers, personal goals, being parents to an extra special young man (we have a son with Autism who is 11 and no matter how much you love them and understand it is still too much some days) and you added a beautiful baby girl who is now two (another amazing gift)--something has to get the lesser percentage of attention and usually it is the relationship of the couple. Marriage takes a lot of shuffling, sacrifice, change and commitment so if some balls were dropped along the way, or mistakes were made, maybe you and Chris can be brave enough to hop back into that hanging car on the rollercoaster and forgive, heal, love and celebrate your marriage. You definitely have our prayers. Only the two of you can decide what is best. You are so brave, honest, precious, admired and cherished by so many sweet girl. More Hugs! :)

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  12. annette says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali,
    Know that you are surrounded by love and friendship out here in Blog land. I too have son on the spectrum, that in itself can cause a strain on a relationship. Thoughts out to you and Chris for strength and love.

    Annette

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  13. Celia Smith says…
    09/13/2011

    Love u so much and wishing u n Chris the best. My hubby n i know it is hard. Love you so much n wish u the best n getting thru the everyday

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  14. Karen Mountcastle says…
    09/13/2011

    It will be ok. Whatever happens it will be ok. Because you have the power to make it so. Ok is different for everyone, but with your passion and grace and thoughfulness and heart, you will make it ok for you all. Breathe.
    Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

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  15. Jane says…
    09/13/2011

    We just came through a difficult time in our relationship. Hoping that you come through it soon.

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  16. Slobodanka says…
    09/13/2011

    Sending you strength and courage to chose your path in life whatever that may be. Thinking of you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Jan B says…
    09/13/2011

    Ah, ha. Just as I suspected all along. You ARE for real. I appreciate your reminder of that because we do sometimes tend to think that people we really admire so much, who tell such wonderful stories, take such wonderful photos and teach so beautifully never have the struggles we do. I've often thought we have so much in common. Now here's one more thing. Thanks for sharing. You definitely have my prayers. Blessings and courage, my friend.

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  18. Heather V says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali-

    Thank you for being real, and open, and honest. You are an inspiration. I have a fear of letting myself show any kind of vulnerability, and I admire you so much for being so brave. My prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family. So glad Simon is doing so well at school... give him a "You rock!" for me.

    Good luck and God bless,

    Heather

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  19. Gypsy Chaos says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, may you know with certainty that you are loved; you are cherished; you make a difference in many lives. May you feel supported by the prayers, blessings, and best wishes offered by many to help you through your current crisis. We want whatever is best for you and your family - whatever the answer may be.

    I admire your knack for allowing the whole wide world know that you and Chris are struggling - yet holding the topic and details close to your heart.

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  20. Jenny Lynch says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali, I have been a long-time follower over the years and check your blog nearly daily. Your outlook on life inspires me and I appreciate how you capture everyday life in photographs and scrapbooks...so honest, so pure. Sending positive energy your way. BTW...the pictures of the antique fair are awesome!

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  21. kim smart says…
    09/13/2011

    sending prayers and compassion your way ali! i hope things work out the way you want them to. thanks for sharing both the difficult and the good times with us all!!

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  22. Sue says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali so many before have said it all. Please know that we all care and want you to feel the strenghth that we send.

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  23. Amanda M. says…
    09/13/2011

    ALi, I always read your blog and appreciate everything you contribute. If I were to be 100% honest, I would say I am not surprised. I have been feeling/sensing/noticing that he has been a little absent from your story - literally in your scrapbook pages and PL layouts that seem to be all about your kids, and less about you or you and Chris or Chris. Good luck to you.

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  24. Linda Farrow says…
    09/13/2011

    sending you all the positivity I can... you have really become a shining light for me and i think many others... you are an inspiration.. give more of yourself to you and chris... we can wait a bit while you take the time... great to hear such a positive report on simon.. you're in my thoughts..

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  25. Wahkuna says…
    09/13/2011

    Ali,

    Thank you for sharing this post. It's definitely hit home for me because I'm also going through a difficult time with my husband. Reading this has helped me realize how strong and positive I need to be and have faith that everything will work out just as it should. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts in prayers, and I'm sending positive energy your way. Keep your head up. <3

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